The Prince of Wales' Ascot Suit

[LordBest]

I think this may be the nicest suit I have ever seen on a public figure. One assumes a top hat with a suit is only appropriate at Royal Ascot?

[Lokar]

It's a morning suit (see picture), which is why a top hat is acceptable.

[LordBest]

Ah, so it is. I want a morning suit like that.

[dhermann1]

Hmmm . . . so many interesting details to dissect. It's a black hat with a gray suit. Note to self: Black hat with gray morning suit is OK. Spread collar. Check. Blue shirt with white collar. Check. Blue tie. Check. Similar but not matching pocket square. Check. Double breasted lapelled waistcoat. Check.
August demeanor. Gotta work on that one.
And regardless of what other people may say, the lady looks quite nice, too.

[Edward]

No fan of the man myself, but that's by the by - I certainly can't deny that his wardrobe, whether selected by himself or his tailor, or some collaboration between the two, is typically flawless. I'm a big fan myself of this less-formal all-over light grey morning suit look, albeit that its usefulness is limited if one wants to be strictly traditional.... Ascot is about the only place one could wear a grey jacket without being either the groom or the father of the bride.... As to the light grey matching trousers, these are permissible for grooms - not sure about the FotB?

The double-breasted, peaked (one assumes) lapel waistcoat is a particularly nice detail, IMO.

[Dan D]

Originally Posted by dhermann1

August demeanor. Gotta work on that one.

A regal bearing gives dignity to much attire that would otherwise draw criticism; the imperious stare, the presumptious hauteur; an area in which I am, also, sadly lacking...!

[Tomasso]

That's the handiwork of Anderson & Sheppard.

[rmrdaddy]

Originally Posted by Dan D

A regal bearing gives dignity to much attire that would otherwise draw criticism; the imperious stare, the presumptious hauteur; an area in which I am, also, sadly lacking...!

Being heir to the throne of England is probably an asset to accomplishing the proper look....there but for the grace of God go you or I....

[H.Johnson]

The 'throne of England' - has something constitutional happened that I don't know about?

[scotrace]

You'll have to give Americans a wide path for not knowing the right terminology.

HRH looks grand in the photos.

[dhermann1]

I am somewhat surprised by the black hat with gray suit.
Should it be "crown" of England? Or maybe it should be "The U.K?"

[Edward]

Originally Posted by H.Johnson

The 'throne of England' - has something constitutional happened that I don't know about?

Hee hee - I think this veers into politics, but it depends on your frame of reference. Manys a Scot is irked by the consistent reference to "Elizabeth II" as she is only Elizabeth II in the English context - "Elizabeth I" never ruled north of the border. In the eyes of most Celts the monarchy is very much an English throne, albeit one whose reach extends to other territories including the rest of the British Isles. All politics aside, I think it's very fair to say that the monarchy, as much of the State apparatus of the united Kingdom, is very Anglo-centric.

[LordBest]

Another picture from Royal Ascot, rather wonderful to see so many toppers in public:


Incidentally, in Australia it is always referred to as the Crown, although there is a throne for the Queen (or King) of Australia in the Senate. When the Sovereign is not in the country, the throne is occupied by the Governor General.

[cookie]

Originally Posted by Edward

Hee hee - I think this veers into politics, but it depends on your frame of reference. Manys a Scot is irked by the consistent reference to "Elizabeth II" as she is only Elizabeth II in the English context - "Elizabeth I" never ruled north of the border. In the eyes of most Celts the monarchy is very much an English throne, albeit one whose reach extends to other territories including the rest of the British Isles. All politics aside, I think it's very fair to say that the monarchy, as much of the State apparatus of the united Kingdom, is very Anglo-centric.

Entirely correct....the English kings bankrupted their treasuries insuring the subjugation of the "territories" from the 1200s onwards...and we are still the repercussions of it in Northern Ireland to this day.

[Dan D]

And as the BBC4 documentary series on Savile Row broadcast last year stated, according to founders of Savile Row, Henry Poole, Poole assisted in funding the French Revolution in order to ensure Napoleon ascended to the French rulership - so that he could afford to pay his tailoring bills.

Clothing, tailors and the monarchy have been intertwined for years, it seems!

[Nick D]

I was under the impression that it was gray toppers for Ascot. There are only three in that photo.

[BinkieBaumont]

"Prince at play Cottesloe beach,Swan River Colony, Australia 1979, with Miss Jane Priest, (She alerted the Media),

[Max Flash]

Originally Posted by Nick D

I was under the impression that it was gray toppers for Ascot. There are only three in that photo.

A grey top hat (also know as a "white hat") can be worn at all summer daytime racing events, starting with Ascot. However, a black hat will also always be correct.

Recently, grey hats have become increasingly popular as daytime wear, particularly at weddings. However, if there is any doubt over the correctness of your hat, always go for black!